Performance analysis and prediction of asphalt pavement containing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash aggregate based on MEPDG.

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash (BA) is the main product of municipal solid waste after being burned. MSWI bottom ash aggregate (BAA) which is made from processed BA can be used in road engineering due to its strength and gradation. And it can be provide more choices for road engineering aggregates and relieve the demands for natural aggregates in road engineering construction.

Sequential use of capsular typing and whole-genome sequencing-based analysis for transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary medical center.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing trend in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), posting a global public health concern. The heightened sensitivity of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) renders it an optimal and potent tool for monitoring outbreaks and tracing the transmission routes of nosocomial pathogens.

Method: We collected CRAB isolates from March 1, 2023, to April 6, 2023 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Lin Kou branch, a tertiary medical center in northern Taiwan.

Risk factors of Omicron variant associated acute encephalitis/encephalopathy in children.

Background: Outbreak of Omicron BA.2 in Taiwan led to an increased number of acute encephalitis/encephalopathy cases in children and several fatal cases drew public attention. In pre-Omicron period, pediatric cases of COVID-19-associated acute encephalitis have been reported and during Omicron epidemic, febrile convulsions, encephalitis were mentioned more frequently.

Modulation of immune response and T-cell regulation by donor adipose-derived stem cells in a rodent hind-limb allotransplant model.

Background: In this study, the authors investigated whether donor adipose-derived stem cells have immunomodulatory effects, such as regulation of T cells, modulation of related cytokines, and prolongation of composite tissue allotransplantation survival, in a rodent hind-limb model.

Methods: Adipose-derived stem cells were obtained from donor adipose tissue and co-cultured with CD3 T cells from allogenic splenocytes for in vitro studies. Orthotopic hind-limb allotransplants were performed from Brown Norway to Lewis rats (day 0).

Prolongation of composite tissue allotransplant survival by treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is correlated with T-cell regulation in a swine hind-limb model.

Background: Recently published reports indicate that treatment with mesenchymal stem cells combined with bone marrow transplantation could prolong survival after composite tissue allotransplantation. This study investigated whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with irradiation and short-term immunosuppressant therapy, but without bone marrow transplantation, could prolong composite tissue allotransplantation survival. Correlation with regulatory T-cell populations was also evaluated in a swine hind-limb model.

Alloantigen-pulsed host dendritic cells induce T-cell regulation and prolong allograft survival in a rat model of hindlimb allotransplantation.

Background: Composite tissue allotransplantation is restricted due to the risks presented by long-term therapeutic immunosuppression. This study is conducted to investigate whether treatment with recipient immature dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with donor alloantigens can prolong allograft survival and induce T-cell regulation in a rodent model.

Materials And Methods: Orthotopic hindlimb transplants from Brown-Norway (RT1(n)) to Lewis (RT1(1)) rats were performed (day 0).